let love grow!

Our story started in the summer of 2017. Music, adventuring, and hanging out with family and friends were things that we bonded over. We would often go to Jordan's parents’ house to just socialize with friends, play games, and go swimming. Jordan’s parents always opened their homes to her friends. After spending a few months together as just friends, we both began to realize we had more of a connection, but neither of us wanted to risk our friendship. We continued to remained friends for a few more months until we decided we should give it a try. Gus asked Jordan to be his girlfriend on January 24, 2018. He had previously invited her to a work holiday party, so this night they were out trying to find him an outfit to wear. They then ended up at dinner at The Branding Iron in Harrisonville. Jordan could tell Gus was nervous about something, but wasn’t sure what. After he stalled all through dinner, they drove around Raymore (about 5 times) until he got the courage to ask. Of course, Jordan said “yes!” This was by far the best decision we ever made. Our relationship continued to grow quickly. We continued to hang out with family and friends, travel, enjoy concerts together, and grow as a couple.

Traveling is one of our favorite hobbies. We traveled to Branson MO, Ponca AR, Denver CO, Nashville TN, Gulf Shores AL, Cheyenne WY, Yellowstone NP, Grand Teton NP, and Keystone CO, and many more places. By far our most memorable trips/places we have been are Yellowstone NP and Grand Tetons NP. These places are our favorite spots because of its natural beauty, the remote atmosphere and because they are National Parks. Keystone CO is another place close to our hearts. Keystone is where we got engaged in the summer of 2022. Out of all the trips we have gone on, only two has been just the two of us. We love to spend vacations with friends and family. It gives us time to travel at a rate we can afford (LOL), but most of all it gives us time to visit, to laugh, to share stories, and to socialize with others! We both have a love for country music. Both of our favorite artist is Reba McEntire. Before we began dating, we went to a couple of concerts together including Luke Bryan and Reba McEntire. Since we started dating, we have gone to numerous concerts at Hot Country Nights at the Power and Light District over the summers and seen artist like Reba McEntire (AGAIN!!), George Strait, Shania Twain, Brett Eldredge, Tracy Lawrence, Easton Corbin, Lainey Wilson, and so many more we can’t even remember them all. Music has always been a way for us to bond with each other. There is nothing like going to a live concert and singing your heart and sole out to each other.

Jordan was accepted into Kansas State University in 2020 to follow her dream of becoming a veterinarian. Jordan was extremely excited to find out she was accepted. Everyone was so proud of her and her accomplishment, but that meant she had to move. She moved to Manhattan, KS in August of 2021 by herself. She worked for the University in a couple of different roles. We were dating long distance for seven months. This was extremely hard on both of us. We would visit each other as much as possible in that seven-month period, yet it didn’t feel like enough. During this time, we faced many struggles together, but this only made our relationship and love for each other stronger. Ultimately, we decided that it was in our best interest for Gus to move to Manhattan. This was a decision not taken lightly. We both have so much family and friends in Kansas City. Gus also had a job with The City of Raymore, he had worked for the city as a seasonal and a full-time employee for about 7 years. After moving, Gus began working for the City of Manhattan as a Sign and Marking Technician, and Jordan continues her studies at Kansas State University.

After living with each other for a few months, Gus decided it was finally time to pop the question on May 25th 2022! This happened to be his birthday! That morning started off with Shawna (Jordan’s mom) asking Gus if he was sure he wanted to propose on his birthday. Gus jokingly replied back, “it will only be a bad birthday if she says no”. After breakfast, we went for a small hike to Sapphire Point. As we made the 0.7 mile journey, Gus realized he had passed the spot he wanted to propose at. Gus, with the help of Jordan’s family, made up the story that we should go back to that spot to feed the chipmunks. Jordan being an animal lover was all for feeding the chipmunks. Jordan started feeding the chipmunks (dill pickle flavored sunflower seeds), somehow, she didn’t notice her family videotaping. Gus was kneeling behind Jordan with the ring as she continued to feed the chipmunks. Jordan finally turned around when Shawna said there was a chipmunk behind her. She turned to find Gus blushing as he asked her to marry him. Of course, Jordan said “YES!!” We continued to celebrate our engagement by axe throwing, shopping, and going to the wine bar. This was a very special day for the both of us! Since our engagement, we have spent several months planning for our special day! We have been able to share planning our day alongside family and friends. We have truly been taking in the wedding planning experience. We are extremely excited to announce our wedding!! It will be October 28, 2023, and we can’t wait to celebrate it with YOU!!!!